Katelyn’s piercing gaze remained on Norma, her expression unreadable. She suspected there was more left unsaid. But it hardly mattered now. For Galen’s sake, she wouldn’t press further. Her voice softened.
“You can stand now.”
Norma remained kneeling, her expression pleading.
“So, does that mean you’ve forgiven me?”
Before Katelyn could answer, the door to the ward swung open, and both women turned to face the newcomer. Norma’s expression shifted instantly.
Panic rose in Norma’s eyes.
“Mr. Adams!”
Vincent shifted his gaze, his expression inscrutable, first toward Norma, who was kneeling on the floor, then to Katelyn. It was clear to him what had transpired.
A flicker of coldness danced in his dark eyes as he asked in a voice as sharp as ice, “Are you apologizing because you’re afraid I’ll break your company?”
Katelyn blinked, momentarily stunned. She instinctively turned to Norma.
“Company?”
Though Katelyn wasn’t particularly interested in the apology, she now understood Norma’s motive—it wasn’t remorse, but desperation for the company’s survival. If not for Vincent’s influence, Norma wouldn’t have come groveling. This apology was obviously insincere.
Norma, sensing the circumstances had turned against her, shook her head fervently.
“No! Even though you pressured my company, you have to believe me that I’m truly here to apologize, and I promise never to trouble you or Miss Bailey again.”
She knew the stakes—if she didn’t show contrition now, the consequences would be devastating.
Katelyn let out a weary sigh, a headache already brewing.
“Forget it,” she murmured, her voice soft but edged with exasperation.
“You can get up now.”
Despite her dislike for Norma, she had to show respect to Galen.
Norma hesitated, stealing a glance at Vincent, clearly waiting for his permission. After all, the Adams Group held her company’s fate in its hands.
Vincent’s eyes lingered on Katelyn for a moment, his brows drawing together slightly. Finally, he spoke.
“You can leave.”
Relief washed over Norma. She exhaled audibly, gratitude spilling from her lips in a flurry.
“Thank you, Mr. Adams. Thank you, Miss Bailey.” She bubbled with excitement, repeating her thanks multiple times. Norma stood and added hastily, “If you need anything in the future, just let me know. I’ll take my leave now. Miss Bailey, take care of yourself.” Her joy made her words tumble over each other as she left. The door clicked shut behind her, and Katelyn sank against the sofa. She turned to Vincent, her voice laced with curiosity.
“Why did you decide to target Norma’s company?”
Vincent picked up an apple from the table and began peeling it.
“No one can bully you,” he replied simply.
The weight of his words hit Katelyn like a stone dropped into still water, ripples spreading in her chest. An awkward heat crept into her cheeks.
“Um, Mr. Adams, did you come here for something today?”
Vincent finished peeling the apple, his tone calm as he handed it to her.
“You’re in the hospital. Can’t I visit you?”
Katelyn fell silent, flustered by his straightforwardness.
Gosh! Why was their conversation so awkward today?
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